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THE / 



WILL OF THE GODS 



SEMLHISTORICAL DRAMA 



OF 



Mysticism and Romance 
Love and Conquest 



IN FIVE ACTS 



BY 

Paul Cammans 



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Copyright 1909 

By PAUL CAMMANS. 

All Rights Reserved. 





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JUL 23 

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490 
1909 



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PREFACE 

The following work is au attempt, however feeble, to show, through 
the medium of the stage, the eternal fituess of things, in a world 
whei-e not only kings and queens, but every creature under the sun 
is "the right man in the right place." 

And as the Law of Beincai-natiou and Karma, more nearly than 
any other philosophy, answers the why and wherefore of things just- 
as they are, I liave used that doctrine as tlip central idea of the story, 
the teaching of Reincarnation, being merely the ordinary view of Life 
enlarged, that in the end merit wins out and that he gets the place 
who best fits himself for the position. 

And to those who thiidv the Divine Kiglit of kings but an empty- 
phrase, I would say that in the exad proportion as this romance estab- 
lishes that verity it proves in the precise ratio the Divine Kight in- 
herent in every creature to mold his own career and to shape his own 
destiny by fitting himself for greater things, simply by being faithful 
to the lesser duties imposed, or, to use the words of Illano : 

"I but said, my Royal Mistress, that men's circumstances ever 
correspond to their attainments, and as certain circumstances attend 
every birth, it therefore follows of a certainty tliat these circumstances, 
whether as prince or pauper, must needs be the result of attainments 
in previous lives, for the gods are no respecters of persons, and love 
all creatures alike. And as a boy at school chooseth not his own 
desk, but is appointed his place by the teacher in charge, and as his 
own efi'orts only gain for him the head of his class, so do the gods 
ever put men in their appointed places, though their inherent fitness 
and deserts determines their station." 

Sincerely trusting that this attem])t has not been entirely in vain, 
I lovingly dedicate this work to the children of men ! 

THE AUTHOR. 



INTRODUCTORY 

After the Crusades to the Holy Land, which extended over < 
period of nearly four centuries, beginning about the year 1092, and 
which were conducted for the purpose of wresting from what wen; 
then known as the Infidels, or followers of Mahomed, the Holy Se- 
pulchre, but especially after the Treaty of Peace between the then 
leader of the Crusades, King Richard I. of England and Saladin, Soldau 
of Arabia and King of Palestine, great nuiltitudes of European people 
f-.ontaining the chivalry of England, Scotland, France, Spain, Italy, 
Austria and Scandinavia, settled permanently around and about the 
shores of the Mediterranean Sea, establishing small kingdoms and 
principalities, which, by the way, fought each other most cheerfully, 
and most of which were tributary to the larger kingdoms, such as 
Egypt, Assyria, Abyssinia, Arabia, ilacedonia and Turkey, whicii 
caiised a peculiar mixture of the races and religious, and although 
the religions remain, these smaller kingdoms and principalities havt; 
ere now practically disappeared. 

And it is with one of these smaller kingdoms, situated on tlui 
Norlheasternmost fork of the River Nile, and which I have given the 
fictitious name of Friesland (pronounce Freesland) that our story 
deals. 

The people were mostly of English and Scotch descent, and spoke 
the language then common in England, besides another language called 
the Lingua Franka, which was used by all the nations for purposes 
of intercommunication, but which I have not attempted to imitate. 
The time is about the year 1500 Anno Domini. 

The first act opens with the banquet hall of the Royal Palace 
of Mansom-ah, situated on the River Nile. Cedric of Arnheim, cham- 
berlain to King Richard of Fi-iesland, and the Lady Gloria, lady in 
waiting to the Queen Sylvania, Princess Royal of the House of Ba- 
tavia, are momentarily expecting the wedding party just returning 
from the marriage ceremony. After they return, they enter into an 
unfortunate altercation about some words dropped by the officiating 
Priest, Illano, who is an Egyptian Initiate, and who has been the 
tutor of the King since early boyhood, to the effect that all life is 
but a continuous journey towards the Goal, a journey in which per- 
sonal effort alone counts, the Queen holding that all is but the chances 
of fate. 



PROGRAM 

OF 

THE WILL OF THE GODS 

A SEMI-HISTORICAL DRAMA IX FIVE ACTS 



THE CAST. 

Kichard I ^Majesty of Friesland (prunoiince Freesland) 

Sylvaiiia, Princess Royal of Batavia His Queeu 

Cedric of Aniheini The King's Chamberlain 

The Lady Gloria Lady in waiting to the Queen 

Illano .Egyptian Initiate and Tvitor to the King 

Bartholdy Brother to the King, who would like the Throne 

Saladin Soldan of Arabia and King of Palestine 

Hassan Envoy of the Soldan 

Bildad Premier of Arabia 

Omar Grand Vizier 

Abdallah Lord of the Treasury 

Capillo — Aspeth Knights of the Court of Richard 

Dana The Enilialnier and Spokesman of the Citizens 

Courtiers. Ladies in Waiting. Pages. Soldiers. Messengei's, Nubian 
Slaves. Araliiau Horsemen, etc.. etc. 

SYNOPSIS. 

ACT I. 

Banquet hall of the Royal Palace of the city of Mansourah. capi- 
tal of Friesland, on the River Nile. 

"This day I lose both my people and my Queen !" 

ACT II.— One week later. 

Royal hunting encampment of the Soldan of Arabia, near the 
Lybian desert. 

"The River Nile in bondage." 

ACT III.— Thirty days later. 

Throne room of the Palace at Mansourah. 
"The Queen's message!" 

ACT IV.— Two weeks have passed. 

The Palace garden in three scenes. Time between first and second 
scene. 60 daj's; third scene, the next morning. 

Scene 1 — The defeat of the Envoy ! 

Scene 2 — "The Nile will overflow no more!" 

Scene 3 — "Tell your children we will pay the price to have been 
born a Queen." 

ACT v.— One month later. 

The square of the statue of Isis at Mansourah. 
Triumphal entry of the son of the Soldan. 
"Only Allah is'Great!" 



ACT I. 

Cedrie and Gloria directing the preparations for the banquet, 
banquet table already set, and putting on the last touches, while maids 
and pages are busy. 

Cedrie — And -when do we follow the good example set us this day 
by the King, my Gloria, and enter into that state of everlasting bliss 
man well calls marriage (takes her hand), for what could be merrier 
than to be the husband of so good and beautifid a maid as thine own 
sweet self? 

Gloria (withdraws hand) — Thou speakest as one having much 
experience, my Lord Cedrie. Nay, I will have none of such. 

Cedrie — I need but look at thee, my love, to know naught could 
be more blissful than to be wedded to thee. Come, sweet, when shall 
it be? I am pa.st 22 and thou wilt soon be 18. Dost mean to be a 
spinster all thy life? 

Gloria (smiling) — I will yet wait a while before I tell thee, and 
first ask the Queen if mai'riage be to Uer liking. But, oh ! Cedrie, here 
they come. 

Enter wedding party, laughing and talking. 

Cedrie and Gloria bow low to all and sliow them their places at the 
table. When all seated and arranged. 

Cedrie — My Royal blaster, and Regal Jlistress. let mine be the 
first voice to ])id weleoine to new Jlajesty of Friesland. All hail to our 
Queen, and may her reign prove as happy as her beauty gives happi- 
ness. And (throwing down his gauntlet) I here challenge any chevalier 
to meet me in single combat, on horse or foot, with sword or lance, be 
he Prince or King or belted Knight, who dares maintain me to the 
contrary, that her's be not the brightest beauty in Christendom. 

(Great cheers, welcome to the Queen and hail to the Queen.) 

Queen — We tliank ye, lords and ladies; your Queen thanks ye for 
loyal hearts and gallant speech. 

King (to page) — Henry, the wine! (Page pours wine and hands 
it to the King.) And now, by Saint George, my Lord of Arnheim, thou 
shall see beauty can reward as well as inspire Ijrave Avords and doughty 
deeds. My Lady Gloi"ia, with thine own hands and in this pleasant 
company, thou shalt pin thy colors on the breast of thy Knight, and 
prott'er him this cup in token of our royal esteeni. 

Gloria (hesitatingly) — Your IMajesty, 'twould not be meet. 

King (encouragingly) — Come, come, thou minx; beauty should 
ever count it an honor to serve a stout heart and willing hand, and 
methinks thou wouldst not need overmuch coaxing were the company 
less numerous, eh? .Out with thee, my beauty! 

Gloria obeys, makes profound curtsey, then offers cup. All clap 
hands and cry "Bravo, bravo, well done," etc, 

Cedrie (sinking on one knee and raising eup) — To the Lady Gloria, 
allegiance forever, and may the foul fiend take him who shall drag her 
colors in the dufst! 

King (all cups have been filled by pages) — Bravo, my Lord of 
Arnheim. and here is to our Queen, the choice of our heart, and the 
strength of our arm. 

All drink and cheer, "Long live the Queen," Queen bows several 
times. 

King — And that posterity shall not count us ungrateful for a gift 
so wondrous as thyself, my heart, we too shall give in our turn to the 
poor of our country. lUano, my tutor and treasurer in one, let 20,000 
guilders be distributed among the poor of the city, (lUano bows, King 



turning to Queen.) Does this meet with thy favor, niy Eoyal Spouse? 

Queen — Indeed, yes, my Lord, for though thou gavest away every- 
thing of which I fear there is grave dauger, for tliou wert ever gener- 
ous, .vet would I still have thee! 

Illano — Wise indeed is he, my children, who ehooseth good rather 
than evil, for I will repay, sayeth Isvarah, \\^hich included both the' 
right and the wrong, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye reap again, 
though ye be a Prince or a pauper by circumstance, for one's circum- 
stances ever correspond to one's attainments, yet who is the greater, 
the Prince or the pauper, for a pauper may save the nation, Avhile a 
King may lead it to destruction. But I must now beg my leave of 
you, my Lord and Queen, and attend to matters of state, as my Royal 
Master may perchance have more pleasant things to occupy his time 
these festal days. 

Queen (kindly) — Nay, tarry, good friend, for thou speakest a 
strange doctrine in mine ears. Dost mean my Royal lover and King, 
who made me this day his Queen, at the displeasure of my father, the 
King of .Batavia, owes his exalted position to his own attainments and 
not the kindness of fate? Nay, this I believe not, even though it fall 
from thj' lips. 

Illano — I but said, my Royal mistress, that man's circumstances 
ever correspond to their attainments, and as certain circumstances at- 
tend every birth, it therefore follows of a certainty that those circum- 
stances, whether as Prince or pauper, must needs l)e the result of 
attainments in previous lives, for the gods are no respecters of persons 
and love all creatures alike. And as a boy at school ehooseth not his 
own desk, but is appointed his place by the teacher in charge, and as 
his own efforts only gain for him the head of his class, so do the gods 
ever put men in their appointed places, though their inherent fitness 
and deserts determine their station. 

Queen (very much interested) — This is indeed a novel doctrine that 
I would fain put to the test. Is any of my courtiers prepared to prove 
this to their Qiieen by leaving this court without wealth and position 
and reclaijiiing tlieir place in the world through their own efforts alone? 
(None offers himself.) (Turning to the King) And what sayeth my 
Royal husband to this mad doctrine? (Jokingly) Art tliou a King 
by liirth. which men in my country call accident, or art thou such be- 
cause of thine own kingly attributes? Eh, my liege? 

King — I may not answer thee, my heart, without seeming to boast. 
(Laughing.) Yet did I not capture thee against the will of thine own 
father, the King of Batavia? (Turning serious.) Yet what the Lords 
of Karma, whom Illano calls the gods, have done on(.'e, they can do 
again. If is even as Illano sayeth. 

Queen — Aye. my Lord, thou didst fake mo. i.if that there can be no 
doubt, but thy spoil of war was but too willing, else wouklsf thou not 
have siicceeded so readil.v, for there are many wa.vs to cheat the captor. 
(Turning to the crowd.) But is there no man liere present willing to 
defend the opinions of his King? 

Cedric (stepping forward and saluting) — If it please thee, my 
queen, though my life be the price of tlie attemi)t, I count it a favor 
to defend the honor of my King. 

Richard — Nay, nay, my brave Cedric, this is lieyond even the 
rights of a King to accept. We would not hear of it. But have pa- 
tience, my Royal sweetheart, and let us not mar this day. With in- 
gratitud(" to our teacher, through unlielief in that which he knoweth 



to a certainty. He will instruct thee also in this mystery of rebirth, even 
as he hath done this unto me. 

Queen (earnestly) — Nay, my Royal husband, I may not listen to 
this strange teaching, unrebuked. for I, too, had my teachers, who 
taught me a different lesson, and rather would I put thee, my King 
and liusband. to the test of thy statement, that 'twas thine own ability 
gained thee a Kingdom, than to listen silently to a doctrine so foolish; 
and as thou are a Knight, as well as a King, I bid thee go and unbe- 
known, retake thy throne, if thou canst! 

Illano — 'Twas never good to tempt the gods ! 

Cedric — A.ye ! This were madness, your Majesty. For me 'twere 
naught — but — it is but thy pleasure to joke in this matter. 

Queen (seriously, but not unkindly) — Didst say joke, my brave 
Cedric? Thou dost not yet know they new Queen, for we joke not on 
matters so serious. 

King (soothingly) — Thou are still young, my fairy, and wilt learn 
of these things presently from the wise. Illano, but if thy mind be such 
that it craveth open proof of liidden wisdom, and although it would but 
establish my safe return and no more, yet woidd I please thee in this 
matter and. single handed, recapture mj' throne and thee, that all doubt 
may be removed from thy fair head, for he's no true Ivnight M'ho heeds 
not the wishes of his lady. But come ; let us to the viands, and make 
meri'y. for the guests are waiting. 

Bartholdy, brother to the King, raising liis hand on stepping for- 
ward) — One moment, my Royal lu-othei-. thou wert ever somewhat of a 
boaster and a braggart, and if thou art my King by chance, I am thy 
brother by birth, and challenge Ihee to do this thing thou speakest of 
of with so much assurance. Our fair Queen is right (turning to the 
assembly). Let him ])rove this to her. for perchance lie hath neitlier 
the courage to leave, nor the ability to return as King. 

Gloria — For .shame! my Loi-d Bartholdy. thou art but jealous of 
thy superior )n'othei-. and M<nd(ls1 drive him to this mad act most wil- 
lingly. 

King — Peace, my Lords and Ladies! AVliat sayeth my Queen to 
Ibis, and we give our Royal word we will abide liy her decision? 

Queen (proudly) — My Royal lover and liusband, I have the jiride of 
a Queen, and 'twas never said of me that I fear the consequences of mine 
own acts, and if thou be'st so sure as thou seemest. thou ma.vst do this 
for my further as.suranee, as thou appearest sure enough of thyself. For 
if this great mystery of birth lie not accident, then do I confess my ig- 
norance of these matters. And if it be true, as thou sayest, that we are 
all indeed children of the Great King on high, making us all Kings and 
Queens, in very truth, of a lineage more Royal than any the world can 
boast, then would I have thee prove thy statement by going out into 
that world yonder, forsaking all thy Royal rights and privileges, and 
reclaim this thine own throne, through thine own efforts alone. (Some 
cry, "Let him try it, let him try it!; others, "Don't leave us, don't 
leave us!") Do but this for the love of thy Queen, and I will never 
again doulit the good Illano, thongh he tell me this life is but as a day at 
school. And while I know thee, my Liege, as a great and forceful 
Prince and King, else would not thj^ Queen have chosen thee for her 
Lord ; for doubt not, my spouse, but a woman, if she be worthy the 
name, doeth her own choosing in this matter of husbands. Yet is 
my faith in the good Illano so weak and in thee, my husband, so great, 
that I bid thee go and prove thy statement, that it was thine own in- 
herent fitness gained thee a throne, for if it be not true, as Illano tells 
me, that the Life Everlasting is the only one worth the attaining, then all 

8 



else matters not ; but if it be indeed true, then would I know it, for in 
such ease, this knowledge is worth all else in the earth. My love thou 
shalt always have, but I would love this supreme knowledge even more 
than thyself, though my capacity for loving thee would increase many 

fold. 

And so I bid thee go, knowing that thine own innate justice per- 
ceiveth the righteousness of my cause, for no man, though he be a King 
may boast to his consort whether she be a Queen or not, for no true 
Knight may boast to his lady, and retain her respect if he make not good 
his boast. 

And though my heart, wliieh Ijeats only for thee, is shrinking within 
me, and though I bid thee go, yet will I ever look for thy speedy return ; 
and whether thou meetest with success or failure, yet will thy Queen, 
who is also a woman, ever long for her husband, until he shall be again 
safely within her embrace. (Suddenly breaking down. Oh, ye gods, ye 
gods ! my heart faileth me ; I cannot let thee go, I cannot let thee go ! 

Gloria — Illano, Illano ! Stop this madness, I beseech thee! The 
King Avill do as thou advisest. for what is a Kingdom without a King, 
but a prey of its neighbours. 

Illano — llan must ever do as he tliinketh best; therefore, beware, 
niy Lady, how thou thinkest. for as a man lliinki'tli. so does he. 

King — My sweet and gracious Queen, thou who art fairer to me 
than aught else upon tlie earth, yet it shall be even as thou wilt.. 

This day I leave thee free, my Queen and consort. Thou who thinkest 
me but a King by chance, and a braggart to boot. Even I, thy right- 
ful King and Lord, grant thee this day thy freedom, absolute and 
forever. 

Use thy freedom well, so that even thou, who art as regally Royal 
as thine Imperia.l husliand and King, shalt be ai)le to give a useful 
account of thy time on thy throne, when he shall coro«^ again unto 
his own, for come again I shall, my Queen, that I promise thee. All 
my Royal rights and powers of State I confer upon thee. I do but 
i-eserve this my good sword, which is also a cross, and my war steed, 
Adelbert, who loves battle better than I. We shall come again, we 
three, if Heaven be willing, but do not forget that in my last act to 
th>'p. I grajit thee absolute freedom to choose for thyself another con- 
sort, for thou wert a woman long l)efoi'e thou becamest a Queen. Fare 
thee v.ell, n;y Royal sweetheart, and the God of Ihy fathers be with 
thee. e\'cn unio the end ! (Queen begins to sol) ; embraces her tenderly.) 
Queen : Don 't leave me. don 't leave me. king disengages himself and 
turns to assembly. And to you, my kinsmen and courtiers, farewell. 
Bow you knee once more (all kneel and uncover and bow their heads) 
for your liege and Lord, some of you for the last time, for all shall not 
be here when your rightfi;l Lord and King shall come again; for war 
was ever the pastime of men. My children, good-bye ! The love of a 
father is in my heart for you all, but it would be thiis, and thus it 
shall be. Arise, my children. 

And to thee, (turning to Illano. who remained standing) my be- 
loved teacher and coimsellor. adieu. Abide with her until the new 
King shall come, whether by marriage or conquest, and this thy King 
begs of thee, be ujito her that same gracious help and guiding force, 
even as thou hast always been unto me. But what am I saying? I know 
thou wilt ever be thyself, for thy heart is of the b.est, and in its rightful 
place. Fare thee well, best of friends. Thy Royal master leaves thee 
his thanks and gratitude. 

(King Ijcgins to strip himself of his mantle of ermine and every 
token and insignia of Royalty). Pages helping. 



Queen( pleading in agony) — Forbear, my Royal husband! I no 
longer doubt thy capacity to make good thy statement, as I never 
doubted thy courage. Come back to thy Queen. Her heai't already 
yeams for thee, and feels dead within her. 

(King shakes his head). 

Queen (turning to Illano) — ^For the love of thy God, Illano, let 
him not leave me. On mj' knees wiU I go to thee, every day of my life, 
and learn of thee this strange doctrine of rebirth that apparently 
maketh men more cruel than fate itself. Give him back to me ! give him 
back to me ! and all that I have shall be thine. 

Illano — My poor child ! Thou undei-standest me not. Even I can- 
not do this. Thou, thyself, art the cause of thine own misery, even as 
all misery is of our own making. And were I to stop him, thine own 
mind would ever be in doubt, for thine own nature demahdeth this 
proof, and man ever gets what he really desires ; therefore, beware 
what thou settest thy mind upon. (Queen puts her face in her hands). 
First thou didst want proof of his prowess, and proof thou shalt have. 
Now, thou want'st him back, and back thou shalt have him. But the 
gods ever hide in this thing man calls time, for it tlie time they take 
in answering that ever deceiveth the petitioner. 

But be of good cheer, my child, for thj' sorrow will soon be but as 
a tale that is told. 

(The Queen falls on her knees, with head in chair; sobbing and 
wailing is heard on all sides. While the King is throwing down his 
purse, Cedrie throws himself on one knee in front of the King). 

Cedric (raising one hand, with head bowed) — I pray thee, my 
Liege, let me accompany thee on this journe.y back to tliy throne, for 
what good is the King's chamlterlain without a King? 

King — Nay, rise good Cedric ! Thou hast ever loved me, and thou 
art a soldier, as well as a courtier. Thou may'st go with me, but as 
I am thy King no longer, thou art no longer my chamberlain, but my 
companion in fortune. 

But let us hither, ere my courage fail me, for this day I lo.se both 
my people and my Queen. Fare ye well, m.y children, you King that 
was, shall ever think of your welfare. Adieux. Adieux. 

(The Lady Gloi-ia begins to cry, and throws her kerchief at Cedric, 
who presses it to his lips and puts it inside his tunic. King turns once 
more to embrace the Queen and walks rapidly away, followed by 
Cedric.) 

(The Queen raises her arms high and puts her face in her hands. 
Sobbing and wailing is heard on all sides. The King is gone! The 
King is gone! The King is gone!) 

(END OF ACT I. 



ACT II. 

After leaving the Palace, the King and Cedrie make directly for 
the frontier of their country, which is joined by the territory of the 
Soldan of Arabia, where, on the edge of the Lybian desert, they are 
the means of capturing the horse of the Soldan, who is an old man, and 
childless, and who was carried away by the fervor of his horse while 
on a hunt. The scene represents the Royal encampment, the Soldan 
seated on a divan in front of his tent, with a Nubian slave with drawn 
sword on either side. Many other tents are to be seen. The Imperial 
Pennant floating from the flagstaff, with soldier on guard. Armed 
horsemen on either side on sentinel duty. A shield hanging from chain 

10 



within arm's reach on one side, and a small sun dial on pedestal on 
other side of Soldan, who sits in attitude of meditation. 

Soldan — Oh, that I had son, like unto this valiant stranger, who 
tames a horse as other men handle a yearling heifer; who sits his saddle 
like a King, and who wields his swords with the strength of a giant, 
though merely in pastime. Yet Allah ! the Great One, has ever been 
■good to this old man my people call their King, but who is envious of 
the least among them who hath children of his own, for the greatest 
iiappiness on earth is to feel one's self immortal in the youth and beauty 
of one's childr^. But Allah is Great, and knows what is best (looking 
at th(! sun dial). But why dotli he tarry this stranger, who hath cap- 
iured my heart as well as m>' steed? * * * 

Chamlierlain (announcing Kichai'd) — My Imperial Master, the 
stranger of the horse has obeyed thy summons and awaits thy pleasure 
without. 

Soldan (mildly) — Show him hither, at once, my Lord Chamber- 
lain. 

(Enter Richard witli profound obeisance, in Arabian attire, but 
face white). 

Soldan — Come hither, my sou, that I maj' the more clearly see thy 
face, which is the face of a man, as well as a soldier. I see my Lord of 
the robes hath done his duty by thee, for tliou dost not look ill in the 
dress of my people. 

(Richard bows one knee in front of the Soldan. who puts his hand 
upon his head). 

Soldan — My gratitude to thee for the capture of my horse I have 
already expressed, when on the edge of the desert we were parted by 
over-anxious servants, for what good is a man in the desert without a 
horse? And thou didst handle him most valiantly, for Nero, though 
he likes not strangers, was luit as a child in thy grip, and in the pleasure 
of once more seeing thee in the strength of thy j'outh, I live over again 
the days of the past, when this old body of mine was not quite so 
feeble as it is now (bracing up). I, too, could tell thee tales of a time 
when there Avas no better swordsman in the Empire than the Soldan 
iiimself — but — tell me of thyself my .young friend. Cor though thou 
speakest our language well, what country dost call thine own? 

Richard — ily Royal Master, 1 have jio country, for the country I 
l)ut lately called my own is none own no more. But of this I may not 
speak. Yet I swear to thee, 1 have done naught any man need be 
ashamed of. I but left it of mine own free will, to please the woman of 
my choice. More I may not say. 

Soldan — Yes. I have heard that in other countries men do these 
strange things fin- their womankind. Yet I, too, ciuild swear, my son, 
that no evil blot stains thy record, for courage seldom dwells with vil- 
lainy, but — (thinking a moment) — wouldst make this land of the Sol- 
dan thine own? I have taken a strauge fancy to thee, my lad. that 
passeth all understanding. In thy presence I feel not as the absolute 
ruler of the most glorious country iipon the earth, but as I fancy a 
father would feel in the presence of his best beloved son. But what 
are thy plans for the future ? Come, tell me ! 

Richard — To speak truly, my Lord, as yet I have no plans; but if 
thou couldst find me a place in thine army, though it be but that of a 
captain, I would serve thee faithfully. 

Soldan — Oh, ho! my son! The nature of the lion will ever assert 
itself. Thou speakest of the rank of a captain in the Imperial Armj' 
of the Soldan of Araliia, and King of Palestine, but as a place among 
the lowly, yet have good men, and brave, grown grey in the service 

n 



iu these times of war, when many places become vacant, without at- 
taining to that supremacy, for know that in this country none bears 
the title of commander but the Soldan himself. 

Richard — I meant not to be disrespectful, my Lord. It was but 
my wish to serve thee, and serve thee well ! 

Soldan (thinking deepl.y, then suddenly) — By the Great Allah 
in Heaven, and his prophet here on earth ! I have better plans 
with thee than to make of thee a soldier. For the arrow fiyeth straight 
in this land of ours, and killeth the lion as well as the wolf, though the 
death of a soldier l)e a most honorable one. But if these old eyes of 
mine deceive me not, thou hast the making of a statesman as well as 
a soldier (puts his head in his hand a moment). But this strange yearn- 
ing for a son will not down. Long liava I sought for one, but the 
avarice of men repelled me, for man ever love money and power more 
than his father and mother! But of thee I think oLherwise. Dost 
think thou couldst love this old man as a father, for himself alone, 
and not for his Kingdom? for although Allah is Great, and loves all 
creatures alike, it is the love of a son man craveth most. What thinkest 
thou of this, my child! 

Richard — Even as thou hast never known the love of a son, so hath 
the love of a father been almost a stranger to me. My earthly father 
died iu battle when I was scarce five years old, but his memory hath re- 
mained with me, and in thee I could love that same greatness of heart, 
which was also in him. But thy goodness overwhelms me (covering 
his brow for a moment and laying his forehead upon the knee of the 
Soldan. Rising again) ! And what will thy people say to the adoption 
into thy house of one of foreign blood? For I would not bring trouble 
upon thee ! 

Soldan (rising to his feet) — Jly son, for now I have a son at last, 
my people have not this strange halut of dictating to their ruler, and 
when they know tliee for what thou art, they will love thee also, both 
for my sake and thine own. But embrace thy father, my boy, that I 
may feel the arms of a son about these old shoulders of mine. (The 
embrace follows). 

Soldan (sitting down again) — And how fareth this young frient* 
of thine? Bring him to see me, for I would better know the friend of 
my son. 

Ricliard (smiling) — He is well, my father, and thinks thee the 
grandest old num 'twas ever his good fortune to meet. His very first 
words of thee were these: "Now, by the bright beauty of the Lady 
Gloria, if that be not Saladin himself, then will I cross yonder desert 
on foot." 

Soldan — H'm! He hath a likely tongue, this youngster, but 
(straightening up) even these happy moments may not last, for the 
duties of state are ever upon me. Touch yon .shield, my son for thine 
old father, for we have an important audience this verj' moment, which 
had almost escaped uS. 

(Chamberlain bows and awaits orders). 

Soldan — Tell the Lord Councillors their Imperial Master awaits 
them. (Enter Councillors with deep obeisance and take their places, 
seated upon cushions, in a half circle open in front, upon the floor. 
Richard, standing by Soldan until all arranged, offers to withdraw). 
Soldan — Nay. my son ! Thy place is here, by the side of thy father ! 
My Lord Coimcillors and friends, obeying the voice of nature within 
me. I have this day taken unto my bosom a son to brighten the declining 
days of your Soldan. And although ye know him not. he is both a sol- 
dier and" a statesman, and it is my wish that henceforth he be treated 

12 



with all honor due to liis rank, as the Royal Prince of your Imperial 
Master. 

(All make profound obeisance in silence, remaining seated). 
Soldan— But let us to work, that we may learn the import of this 
unexpected audience. 

Bildad (the premier, raises his hand in greeting) — Jly Royal Mas- 
ter, greeting! These days the news of the world traveleth fast, for the 
flight of a pigeon is straight as an arrow, and quick as the lightning 
We have but yesterday learned that the King of the Fi-isians hath dis- 
appeared, no one knows Avliither, though it is my humble opinion that 
he was foully murdered by his own brother, who loved him not any 
too well, and his throne the more ! Yet it is an ill wind that blows no 
good to any one. For two years, through the prowess of this King, and 
because we have been ever at war with our neighbors, our collectors 
have failed to get the yearly tribute of 1,000 young men for the Imperial 
Army, making at present a total of 10,000 men, being a small army in 
Itself. But now that this valiant King is no more, and as the need of 
replenishmg our army is great, we have come to thee, our Imperial 
Master, to listen to thy words of wisdom, and orders. (Bows his head 
and remains silent) . 

Soldan— Nay! this is good news, indeed, my Lord Premier, for our 
army needeth these young men most sorely, and it still rankles in our 
bosom that we have not been able to collect this tribute more regularly 
thanks to the good statesmanship of this dead King. And does this 
Royal brother of mine leave a Queen, or is he perchance a celibate' 
Even Kings are fools at times. 

Omar (Grand Vizier, raises hand)— My Imperial Master, I greet 
thee. This King who, according to the strange custom of their country 
IS permitted but one wife, was but wedded the morning of his death or 
disappearance. But rumors of the marvelous beauty of this Queen have 
already reached us. They say her skin is as white as the lilies in thine 
own gardens ; that her eyes are as blue— yes, blue, my Lord blue— as 
the sky of this our own country; that her hair is the color of the pale 
gold of Egypt, and of a radiant lustre, and that the color of her cheek 
IS such that men envy each other for a look of her face. But she hath 
spirit, this Queen, and may give us some trouble. 

Soldan— Tour Soldan counteth trouble for naught, for trouble we 
may not escape by shirking it. Now listen to these mine Imperial or- 
ders. As soon as an envoy becoming the greatness of your country can 
be dispatched, send this sweet Queen this message .- That if inside of 
one year from this date, mind you, this date, that it has come to the 
ears of your Soldan, 11,000 young men are not at the disposal of our 
captains of war, then will the Soldan himself, at the head of his Imperial 
liorsemen, collect this just tribute, though I lay her whole country in 
utter rum (stopping a moment). But what thinketh my son of this 
matter? 

Richard— If this tribute be rightfully thine, my father and I doubt 
It not, for might was ever right, then is it thy plain duty to collect it if 
thou canst, though it spell thine own defeat. 

Soldan— Well spoken, my son and— by the beard of the prophet 
tliou Shalt be the emissary to the court of this Queen, tliough thou 
needst not tell her thou art also my son. And barken ' If after thou 
ha.st seen this houri of paradise, and wouldst make her thy wife thou 
mayest make known to her these my further orders • That in ease she 
find It difficult lo produce so large a body of young men in so short a 
time, then can she pay this debt by becoming the rightful spouse and 
Queen of the only son of Saladin. What think ye, my Lords? Is it 

IS 



not better to have the good will, even of a woman, than the hatred of a 
people? 

Bildad — My Imperial Master, it is not for us to question thy wis- 
dom, but — (very hesitatingly) dost think it were best to send a stranger 
on so important a journey? 

Soldan (in a rage at once) — Now, by Allah in Pleaven, what sayest 
thou? a stranger? Dost call the son of thy Soldan a stranger? Though 
Mahomed himself came to intercede in thy behalf, thou shalt pay for 
this folly with thy foolish head ! 

(Reaches with his arm to give the summons). . 

Richard (raising his hand) — If it please thee, my good father, per- 
mit speech to th}' son. This man knowetli me not. and but thinketh of 
thy welfare. He hath known thee perchancie always, yet did he have 
the courage to take his life in his own hands, while speaking his 
mind, and courageous men are never over-plenty, and so I beg of thee^ 
my father, for the life of this man, knowing that mercy is even better 
than justice. 

Soldan (who had cooled down) — Thou art right, my son! I was 
over-hasty. My Lord Premier, thine Imperial Master forgives thee, 
for the sake nf his son and thy good intention! But let us finish this 
business of the deputation. My Lord of the Treasury, listen well. 
Thou wilt make this embassy so that the like was never seen since the 
days of the wise King Solomon (turning to Richard) ; and thou, my 
son, thou shalt be the embassador of thine old father, and that thou 
wilt enhance the respect and fear in which he is held I need not say. 
(Turning to Abdallah) Let no treasures be spared. Take our own 
horses, and our 1,000 white stallions, with a lineage as long as Kings, 
and who but yesterday I loved as my children, but who have now taken 
the second place in my affections — I say, lake them out of the Imperial 
stables, to carry the liody guai-d of my envoy and son in one. My Lords, 
this audience is at an end. Do your duty, and do it well, that the son of 
your Soldan shall lie pleased with your labors. May Allah be with 
you! (Councillors rise and go out backwards; after they go — ) 

Richard — i\Ty father, may 1 speak to thee, of what to mj^ mind is the 
best waj' to bring this proud Queen to terms? And this, also, I must 
confess : It was my own country and mine own Queen, and I would not 
spill the blood of my countrymen usdessly.. 

As thoii kuowest well, the country of lower Egypt depends upon the 
overflowing of the river Nile for its liarvests. Now there is a place well 
known to me. but far outside the boundaries of my late country, yet 
well within the limits, of thine, where the Nile, by cutting through a 
narrow strip of land, and draining the surplus into the bottomless Lake 
Temsa, may be diverted sufficiently to make this yearly overflow im- 
possible, and with the labor of 100,000 slaves 'twere but the work of a 
season, and even while we confer with this Queen about the payment, 
we may gain the control of her future harvests at will. What thinkest 
thou of this plan, my father? 

Soldan (delighted) — Ah ! II 'm ! My old eyes and heart deceived me 
not, for thou art as good a statesman as thou wilt prove thyself a son. 
But, dost understand these matters of excavating? 

Richard — I am persuaded the construction itself would prove suc- 
cessful, my father, when one has the control of the territory. 

Soldan — So be it, then ! We will dispatch orders this daj^ to our 
engineers, that no time may be lost, and noAV, my son, a last word to 
thee, not of advice, for thy judgment is of the best, but of love and 
affection; and if it should be the will of Allah that I should lose my 
son almost as soon as found, yet will thy father ever remember this 

14 



day as tlie happiest in his life (leaving his seat). Embrace me once 
more, my boy, for to me, who have never felt the arms of a manchilu 
about me, it seemeth good to rest this old head upon thy shoulder 
(rising again). And for the sake of thine old father, be cautions, my 
son, for treachery hu-keth everywhere, and so thy father begs of thee 
to accept of him a gift of a body guard, which perchance thy youth- 
and strength would spurn. Calip and Abdulf, come forward ! And by 
the blood of ^Mahiniied swear allegi;Hice unto death to the son of your 
Soldau, whom ye have most faithfully served! (Slaves kneel down on 
one knee in front of Rirluu'di. My .Master. 1 swear allegiance to thee 
unto death ! 

Curtain. 

END OP ACT IT. 



ACT III.— Another Month Has Passed. 

(The Queen and Gloria ai-e sealed in eoiiNcrsatiou in the throne 
rcidin of the Palace at ]\lans(iurali ) . 

Gloria — Cheer up, my Queen, fur of a surely the King will come 
again, and that soon, for he loves muie Init thee, aud the love of a 
Knight is a sure guide to his lady. And did I not h)se my t'edric? 

Queen — Yes, my dear child, but it is T who have bnuight this misery 
both upon myself and thee. Tlnm ddsl not know the woi-ld so well as 
thy Queen, for Kingdoms are not liad for the asking. 

Gloria — True, my Lady, but my Royal master, tlu' King, is not like 
other men. He hath a way willi hiiu, wliich seemingly coni|)els even 
destiny to do his bidding. Aud think not llial be wonld reidly con- 
sider losing thee, f(n- where would hi' find a (|»ueen so lidoil and beauti- 
ful as th.yself. Believe me, he is hut in hiding, and is even now ])lan- 
ning to repossess himself of thee, and through tliee. of his thi'one. 

Queen — Nay, good Gloria! Though T lovi' In bear thee say it. he 
will never come by way of me. ilark my words, if he come, he come 
not as the suitor of a womau. but as the conipieror of a Queen ! 

Gloria-— Aye, that were better still, my T^ady, for tlnnigli we women 
love to have our way, we b.ve still bi-tter lo be eomi)elled against our 
liking. But — I hear the ai)proach of footsteps ( gix^s to seel. (Enter 
Ai-ab. with seroU. who liainls it to Gloria, who hands it lo I be Queen). 

Que(>n (reading) — To the mighty (,)ueiMi ol' all llie Frisians, who 
are as the sands of the se-a. greeting: Befoic the sun shall have its 
zenith this day, a deputation of my Iin])erial Master, the Soldan of Ara- 
bia and King of Palestine, will wait upon thee. 

(Signed) HASSAN. Imperial Knvoy. 

Queen — This spells new trouble, of that T feel I'crtain. Oh, that th(; 
King were but with me! But go, my child, and bid lllano confer with 
thy Queen (Enter lllano, bowing, aud Gloria). 

Queen — Read lllano. I fear me our troid)le is but beginning. 
What think ye of this? 

lllano (reads) — 'Tis easy to guess the intent of the Soldan, my 
Lady. He b\it comes to colleet his yearly tribute of young men. wliich 
owing to the management of my Royal master, the King, he lialli nol 
had these ten years past. 

Queen — Yes, I have heard of this tribute, for uiy father w;is like- 
Avise luad'e to pay one to this robber Soldan. And are w(- in a position 
lo concede to his demand, if that be the nature of lln^ visit:' 

lllano — Nay, my Queen, the number, whicli by now hath reacheil 
the total of 10,000 men, would make us the easy prey of our neighbors. 

15 



But the treasury is in good condition, and we may, by making payment, 
defer the day of settling until the King shall be again at the head of 
his army. Meanwhile, we must make ready to meet the envoy becoming 
his station. 

Queen — Yes. good lUano. Thou mayest give orders for all courtiers 
to assemble at once, for even now I hear the trumpet call in the distance 
(low fanfare of trumpets. lUano and Queen retire. Queen changes to 
her dress of state. I llano changes to white. Gloria remains behind. 
Enter Cedric, brown, and in Arabian attire. Runs up to Gloria and at- 
tempts to kiss her hand),. 

Gloria — Art wandering in thy mind, stranger, that thou shouldst 
find thyself in the Palace of the Queen, making free with strange wo- 
men? 

Cedric — Gloria, dost not know thy Cedric, who hath come back to 
thee with much good information? 

Gloria (recognizing him) — H'm ! My Cedric left me, thinking more 
Dp sti-aiige adventure than his lady (turning). I know thee not. 

Cedric (taking hold of her arm and turning her around) — Aye, but 
I do know thee, and that is sufficient, for had I stayed, thou wouldst 
have liked me even less. But come, is this the way the most gracious 
maid in all Friesland. meets her lover and Knight. 

Gloria — Well. then, thou mayest kiss — (Cedric presses her to his 
heai-t and kisses her mouth) — (catching her breath) — my hand! 

Cedric (kisses it ardently) — But be seated, my love, as I have much 
to tell thee, if thou swearest by the sword of thy Knight to divvdge this 
to no one, least of all, the Queen. 

Gloria (indignant) — Dost think me a niilivniaid or a scullery wench? 
But t ell me quickly, what of the King? 

Cedric — The King is safe and (looking around carefully'i has be- 
come the ado]ited son of the Soldan, and will be here presently as the 
Imperial Envoy, and doubt not. but he teach this proud Queen a lesson. 
But T must hasten to take my place in the deputation. Good bye. bright 
eyes, one other kiss on thine (tries to kiss her mouth but fails) hand. 

(Enter Queen in state robes, and courtiers take their places. Long 
blast of trumiiets and announcement of the Embassy). 

Chamberlain (announcing) — The Imperial Envoy of Saladin. of 
Arabia. 

(Enter deputation when all arrancred. Ricliard. brown, with beard, 
and in Arabian attire. Queen starts slightly upon hearing his voice). 

Uichard— To the most Royal Queen of Friesland. the fame of whose 
beauty is known in the four corners of the earth, my Imperial Master 
sends greeting and begs her to accept of these unwoi-thy hands this 
string of pearls, which could ransom a Kingdom, but cannot enhance 
the beauty of the Queen of the Frisians. (Hands it to page to hand it to 
Queen. Queen looks very pleased) . And it is his further pleasure that I 
make known to thee, these his Imperial orders: That if inside of one 
year from the first day of the last month 11,000 young men are not at 
the disposal of our captains of war, then will my Imperial Master come 
himself, at the head of his numberless horsemen, and collect this .iust 
tribute, though it will spell ruin to thy country. But as my Imperial 
Master is as kind as he is great, I am commissioned to make known to 
thee, these his further orders: That should ye. my most Royal Queen, 
find it impossible to nroduce so large a body of men in so short a time, 
then may this most .iust debt be paid with thyself, most gracious 
]\Ia.iesty. by becoming the rightful spouse and Queen of the Royal Prince 

16 



ami only sou ot my Iiiijirrial Master. (Bows his head in salutation and 
steps back ) . 

Queen — We, the Queen, bid you welcome at this our abode, and 
though it pleases us greatly to receive the frindly visit of the generous 
Soldan, yet are we somewhat surprised at the tone of! superiority as- 
sumed and the demand of a trib^ite we know nothing of, for thine Im- 
perial ilaster will doubtless remember that we, the Queen of Friesland, 
have never entered into treaty Avith him. about payment or otherwise. 
And we. the Queen, send him this message: That for nigh on twenty- 
years our country hath been very prosperous, and at peace with all 
nations. That our subjects have increased greatly in numliers, and that 
we have not yet lost our love for the pastime of war. That the mount- 
ains dividing our countries are as steep as ever, and that the valleys 
will be more impassal)le than the impassable mountains. That the sun- 
light is still as magnificent, which, together with the River Nile still 
assures us of harvests alnindant. Aiul (getting angry) this. also, tell 
thy Holdaii : That we already have a husband, whom we love better than 
aught elsi' uiion the eartli. and who is but now upon a .journey, and that 
were it otherwise, wr would not have this dark-skinned son of a match- 
making falher. though lir wrre the only man ui>()n this i-ontinent. My 
Lords, your mission is ended, yet inhospitality was never our weakness, 
our guest chambers are always ready, and we shall lie jileased to have 
ye abide with us until such time ye see tit to retui-n. IMy Lords and 
Ladies, this audience is at an end. 

(Everyone goes but the Queen and Bartholdy. lii'othei' to the King, 
and the Lady Gloria, vi-ho busies herself about the Howei-s). 

Bartholdy — My swe^'t mistress, why Avilt thou not listen to my 
words of love for thee. Give but me the right to deal ^xith this bar- 
barian Soldan by making nie thy King and I will 

Queen — Pay this tribute. We know thee, m.v Lord Bartholdy. 
Furthermore, thou speakest treason, both against thy brother and thy 
King. (Aside: — 'Tis strange that two branches of the same tree can 
be so unlike). But thou may'st do thy Queen a faviu'. Bid this dark- 
faced Envoy eonfer with thy Queen. (Aside: — This man strangely at- 
tracts me. He hath the bearing of a King, and his V(iic(> sounds like 
music in mine ears.) 

(Bartholdy finds Envoy and Cedrii'. passing thv dooi'way). 

Richard ( liows politely) — We ai'c lint now on oui' Avay to the gar- 
dens, my Liii-d. I Offers to proeeed. l)ut (^ueeii S(>es them and motions for 
them to enter. After they come in, enter the two Nubian slaves, armed 
with spears, who jilace themselves in far corners of the stage. Bartholdy 
don't see them). 

Queen — Na>'. if it jilease thee, my Lord ^\n.diassailor. we would have 
speech with thci'. Thy Soldan hath well chosen his Envoy, for thou 
speakest our language most perfectly. IIow is it thou servest the Sol- 
dan .' My Lord Bartholdy, th(U\ may"st go. (Withdraws unwillingly). 

Richard — To speak truly, your IMa.iesty, thy language is also mine, 
for my mother was of thy people. But the ways of Allah are past find- 
ing out and the Soldan is both a brave man and a generous King. 

(^ueen — But tell me of this son of thy Soldan. Why have we not 
heard of this son before? 

Richard — As ye may know, the Soldan is no longer young, and as 
Allah hath not vouchsafed him a son of his own flesh, he hath but lately 
adopted a son, whom, however, he loves greatly. 

Queen — Thy Master hath, indeed, great plans with this unknown 
youth, to fiml him a Queen as consort. But is he of iiohlc blood, this 
Prince ? And — does he resemble thee, somewhat ? 

17 



Richard — He is i)0 longer a boy, my Lady, and others call him a 
man. He is a IJing in his own right, and traces his lineage in a direct 
line to the oldest house in his dominion. 

Qiieen — Well, we wish him no ill. but did ye say he is somewhat like 
thyself? 

Richard (bowing) — 'Slen have been good enough to say I am not 
unlike him. 

Queen — It pleases us to hear thee say so, for fate plays even Queens 
strange tricks. But what folly am I speaking? As I told thee. I already 
have a husband, who will return presently to deal with thy Soldan. 

(Enter Chambei'lain) — A merchant waits without and begs audi- 
ence of the Queen. 

Queen — Let him enter, though he chooses his visit most untimely. 

(Enter merchant, cap in hand; bows awkwardly) — As our caravans 
emerged from the desert and entered the friendly shade of the forest. I 
was most fortiuiate to lind near the the fresh remains of two men. out 
of whom was of large proportions, the other somewhat smaller, and who 
had evidently been set upon by wolves, this Royal kerchief, bearing 
the eoat-of-arms and monogram of my Queen (hands it to Gloria, who 
starts and hands it to Queen). 

Queen (looking somewhat scared) — This is. indeed, our kerchief, 
and we thank thee, good stranger; but didst say 'twas found near the 
remains of two men. This is most strange, and did ye find naught else 
to establish their identity ? 

^Merchant — Nay, my Lady, but many travelers pass that way, and 
may have preceded us. and I l)ut found this kerchief half hidden in the 
hollow of a tree, and must have escaped their notice. 

Queen — We thank thee for thy trou])le: thou mayst go. (To Cham- 
belain) Learn his name, that we may find him. (Forgetting the com- 
pany). Ye gods! it could not be the King! (Brightening up and turn- 
nig to Gloria). Of a surety 'twas not the King, who kept this in his 
possession, for even his purse he would have nothing of. 'Twas not the 
King, that I would swear! 

Gloi-ia — Bowing her head to liiile a smile: hesitatingly^ — 'Twas 1, 
my Lady, who gave it to Cedric. and as I was sorcl\' in need the morn- 
ing of the wedding I had taken the freedom to use one of thine, also, mj 
Lady, and in my great happiness I threw the wrong one, your Majesty. 

Queen (very sad) — In thy great happiness, thou say'st? Art mad, 
wench. 

Gloria — Happiness, my Lady, bm-ausc of the great honor conferred 
upon my Knight to be the companion of my King. 

Queen (sits down in attitude of deep sorrow^i — ^ly jiunishment is 
come ! 'Sly punishment is come ! 

Cedric (aside to Gloria — And mad as a Bee.) Oh! and thou didst 
throw the wrong one. he ! And here have I loved and kissed and 
crushed to my heart a strange kerchief! What fools we mortals be, 
forsooth ! 

Gloria — Be not angry with me, good Cedric, but thou didst look 
so brave and bold, the morning of thy departure. I scarce knew what 
I was about * * * and (bracing up .suddenly) thou didst love her 
so much, oh yes ! and thou did.st take such good care of her gift, to be 
sure! Thou art indeed no Irue knight, to loose the favor thrown by 
thy lady. I am ashamed of thee! (stamping her foot and turning 
away). 

Cedric — Tliou dost me cruel wrong: my life! I did but wipe the 
tears from mine eyes which would come because of love for thee, but 
(beginning to laugh) at the sight of those wolves, which devoured us, 

18 



both the king and I turned pale, and fled in all haste, yet taking time 
to put you kerehief carefully in my tunic, but when we were slowly 
being, turned into wolf tlesh, said I to the king, this kerchief at least I 
will save, and putting it tenderly in the hollow of that tree, it became 
the proof of my mine own death ! 

Gloria (smiling)^ — Cedric, Cedric, thou wert ever a madcap but 
* * * my heart bleeds for my poor lady! 

Queen — Gentlemen, your hostess begs you will excuse her, as the 
finding of this kerchief hath given rise to dire apprehension. My 
, Lords, the queen bids ye good day. 

Gloria (walking up to the king and nudiing the royal curtsey) — 
The lady Gloria bids her king welcome back into his owu ! 

King — Nay, rise, fair Gloria, I am thy king * * * not yet. 
But I see thy valiant knight is better at telling wolve stories than keep- 
ing secrets from his lady. Well, he hath not misplaced his trust. 

Enter Illano (Bartholdy stands at the door listening), walks up to 
the king and raises his hand in greeting. Illano greets his pupil and 
king (Batholdy raises his hand in surprise). 

-Richard (bows reverently) — Thy pupil greets thee. Illano. but he 
is thy king no more, but * «^ * (turning to Cedric) dost tell every 
passing stranger of the secrets of thy friends? 

Illano — Cedric hath not spoken, my Lord, but the aura of a man 
changeth not with the painting of his skin. I knew thee long Ijefore 
thou didst enter the palace, for I have been with thee almost constantly 
since thy departure. Thy plan to control the Nile, should it succeed, 
would give the Soldau absolute sovereignty over thy tei-ritory. and did 
I not know l)oth thee and the Soldan so well. I would be tempted to 
call it treason to thy country. 

Richard (listening in surprise) — Ye know this also? But, good 
father Illaui), it were not treason, for in the first place it was my coun- 
try no more, and in the second pla(;e it was the only plan that gave 
promise of success, without the spilling' of the blood of my children. 
And then granting it is still my county, it can not then lie treason for the 
king to assure for himself the control of his own territory, for I spoke 
not of it, to the Soldan until I had liecome his. adopted son and succes- 
sor, making me again the ruler of mine own dominion, for thou know- 
est well this triliute is a .)ust one, and that we owe alh^giance to my 
father, the Soldan. 

Illano (smiling faintly) — The ]Mi])il hath outwitted the teacher; 
thine argument is a good one. But lie careful, my son. The road to a 
throne is a steep one, and I feel treacher.y in the air. But I must now 
leave thee, to look to the comfort of our guests. Good day, my liege! 

King sits down to think. 

Cedric (laughing and bowing to Gloria) — Fair lady, wouldst show 
a stranger within thy gate the gardens of the palace? We have heard 
much of its beauty. 

Gloria (curteseying deeply) — Indeed, yes. my lord amiiassador! 
'Twill give us much pleasure I (Exit). 

Enter Bartholdy ist-althily and looking around) — He hath ever 
been in my way. this brother of mine. Imt by hell we will end the mat- 
ter, come what may. 

Runs noieelessly up to the king and stabs him in the back with 
stillelto. Guards spear Bartholdy. The noice arouses the court and 
tJie i|ueen and Illano and many courtiers and Arabs come running in. 
Queen runs up to Richard, who remains seated but leaning slightly, but 
is withheld by Illano. 

Illano — Be not afraid, my queen, for Isvarah is everywhere, and 



to the ujircal there is no being, no any end of being to the real, and the 
truth ai3 to these two. is perceived by those, who behold reality. See, 
the wound is as though it hath not been. 

(Everyone starts in amazement). Queen stoops down by Bar- 
tholdy and raises him. 

Richard (straightening up slowly) — Let it be given out, he was in- 
jured in a .iust quarrel. 

Bartlioldy, held by the queen, points at Richard — Tlie envoy is the 
son of the Soldan * * * (falls l)ack). 

Queen (laying him down) — He is dead, he is dead! 

Illano — The mills of the gods grind slow, but they grind exceed- 
ingly tine. 

Queen (turning to Richard) — And so thou art this mysterious son 
of the Soldan (bows head in acknowledgement). We regret that this 
unforunate occurrance makes thy further stay impossible. And this 
message also take to thy father: He shall find a queen can fight, as well 
as a king. 

Exit envoy. Servants carry body away and nearly all leave. 

Queen (sits down and thinks) — And so this is his son * * * 
(jumping up) well, we shall defeat this imperious Soldan yet (turning 
to one of the eoiirtiers) Call the comifiauder of the bodyguard (walks 
up and down). 

Enter Commander. Salutes. 

Queen (in low tones) — ]\Iy brave Asa, listen well to the words of 
thy queen. When this returning envoy shall be well within the domain 
of the Soldan capture him alive at anj- cost. Dost understand? Alive ! 
Tliat we may hold him as our hostage against the Soldan, and send him 
this message by two of his own people : That, if inside of ninety days 
Ave do not receive positive assurance of all cessation of hostilities he 
will never again beliold his son. Begone, my brave captain, and do 
not fail me. 

Illano — This were not just, my queen ! 

Queen — All is fair in love and war, Illano. Thy queen is now 
fighting both for her own freedom and that of her country. 

Curtain. End of Act III. 



ACT IV.— in 3 Scenes. 

The palace garden, with steps and entrance to the palace on the 
left, and large iron gates in the rear. Another week has passed. Queen 
seated, Gloria standing. 

Queen — What ails thee, Gloria, ever since the departure of this 
barbarian envoy thou hast not been thine own sweet self? (smiling). 
Hast thou, too, perchance, lost thy heart to this son of the desert? he? 
for if it were not treason to the king, I must confess he affects me 
strangely. 

Gloria — Nay. 'tis not tliat. my queen, and yet it is. for I would but 
speak the truth if I told thee, I already adore him. * * * next to 
my Cedric. But he is not the man to give up without a fight, and what, 
should he loose his life in the struggle? 

Queen — Those are the chances of war, my child. We can die but 
once, and a man may as well die in battle, as of disease in his own bed. 
Yet. let us hope for his safety, for 'twould cheat us of a valuable host- 
age. 

Chamberlain announcing "Asa. commander of tlie bodyguard." 

Enter commander, dusty and dirty, Salutes — ily queen, we bring 

20 



good tidings. The son of the Soldau is our captive, together ^vith most 
of his bodyguard and valuable horses, but he fought like a lion, and 
many a good man will serve their tjueen no more! But we greatly out- 
numbered him, and seeing that further resistance would mean but butch- 
ery, he gave in. He is even now in the palace. 

Queen — Thy c^ueen thanks thee, good Asa. Thou didst thy duty 
well. Have thy prisoner brought hither, that we may see him in the 
role of a captive. 

Exit Asa, saluting. Enter Richard between two guards, bound 
and bandaged in the head, dirty and dusty. Gloria starts. 

Queen (nut unknidly) — Hail, to the miglity son of the Soldau ! Am- 
bition hath been the ruin of many men ! Art still of a mind to make 
this queen thy wife, he? 

Richard (proudly) — I but came in obedience to the commands of 
m3' father, to collect a just tribute. I did my duty. Naught else mat- 
ters. Yet, I confess when I first saw thee, 1 swore none else should be 
my wife, and only death closes the chapter. The chapter is not yet 
closed for murder is not in thee. 

Queen — Well, thou art at least no coward; and did I not love my 
husband so well, l)y Venus, I could love thee * * * a little. 

Aye. but I hear thy husband left thee, and left thee free to choose 
whom thou wouldst. Am I not good enough for thee? 

Queen — Thou art a man befitting any woman, my lord, but I am 
a queen who bows not even to the Soldan. Naught may force a 
woman into wedlock but the love of a man, and my heart is no longer 
mine to givt\ I am agrieved for thy sake, my friend, for thou ai't at 
least a man. but 'twas the good of my country that forced me to do 
this. Thy life is in the hands of thy father. Thou mayest go (turning 
to guards, t'nbind him at once and let everything be done for his 
comfort, but on youi' life, guard him well! 

Curtain. 

Scene 2 — Sixty days later, same as before. Glnria sits reading. 
Enter two courtiers. 

Aspeth — Has) heard the news. Capillo? The wliole cduntry is in 
a ferment. For thirty days the river Nile hath been due to overflow 
her banks, and if she come not soon, thou knowest it means ruin to 
the harvest and starvation and pestilence for the ]>eople. We have 
had none but troulile since the king left, and I fear me, we shall never 
more see his face again. 

Capillo — Yes, if the overflow of the Nile come not soon the har- 
vests are ruined. 

Aspeth — I am but now on my way to the queen to deliver a mes- 
sage from Lord Roderie, the minister of agriculture * * * (bow- 
ing to Gloria) My lady, would ye convey this document to the queen? 

Plands it to Gloria, and saunters off talking. 

Aspeth — It spells ruin and disease to the people! 

Enter Queen and Gloria. 

Queen (reads) — To my royal mistress, the queen, greeting. The 
conditions in the Nile valley are becoming serious. Everything is 
dried up and the ground is hard as baked clay. If the Nile come not 
soon 'twill mean the worst calamity that hath befallen this nation in 
two centuries. The moneys now in the treasury could but slightly 
alleviate the suffering. Will notify your majesty at once if change 
occurs. Signed. Roderie, Minister of Agriculture. 

Queen to Gloria — Ah! my child, the life of a queen is not all hap- 
piness, is it? But go and send Illauo to me. He is wise, and may aid 
us. 

■'••. . 21 



Enter Gloria and Illano, who reads message. 

Queen — Canst not help thy queen, Illano? The people are becom- 
ing restless because of fear. Can naught be done? 

Illano — Only the gods can aid us, my queen, and I am but a man. 
Their ways are past finding out, but their resources are infinite. Only 
he is defeated who gives up in despair. 

Queen — Tliou speakest truth, Illano. Yet. if the Nile overflow ■ 
not, Ave shall be the easy prey of the Soldan before the coming of the 
new j'ear, and the death of his son and envoy cannot aid us. 

Illano — Murder never aided anyone, my queen! 

Queen ( almost pleadingly — Nay, 'twere not murder, Illano. We 
captured him fairly on his own territory. 

Illano bows his head, and waves his hand in silence. 

Enter Arabian messenger at the gates. 

Queen — But what be this.' Another messenger? It makes us feel 
as the ancient Job. the Jews t<^ll of. And 'tis an Arabian. Tlic Soldan 
loves his son and hath subnytted to our dictation. 

Gloria offers to take message but is refused. Messenger bows 
deeply and hands message to the queen. 

Qi;een (reads) — Saladin l)egs not for the life of his son. for no 
man may save even the life of another at the cost of his honor, and 
my son shall not be ashamed of his father. But as neglect is a crime, 
we have left naught undone to insure us of victory. Our engineers 
have gained absolute control of the overflow of the Nile, and if our son, 
together with all his belongings, are not safely returned within the 
mouth, with positive promise of thy hand in marriage 

The Nile will overflow no more! 

Signed, Saladin. 

Queen hands message to Illano, in a rage. Dids't liear it, Illano? 
Dids't hear it? 'Twas that dog of an Arab who makes even the Nile 
do his balding. By Heaven, he hath outwitted me. The hound, the 
dog! And 'tis me he wants for his son, and 'tis only myself can save 

the people But I'll not do it; I'll not do it. (I'd rather 

join the damned in Hell) than to stoop low to that black-faced mon- 
grel. I'll never do it; I'll never do it! 

Illano — The stars do not compel, my child, but they incline in thy 
favor. Thou wilt do thy duty ! 

Queen — Yes, by the camel-driver of Jlecca, that I will. (Clasps 
her hands vigorously. Enter Chamberlain.) 

Queen — Have the envoy brought to me. and hasten, 'ere my sense 
of duty (sneeriugly") fail me. (Walks up and down excitedly.) 

( Ent(U" Richard, loose, but between two guards. Stands erect 
Avithout bowing). 

Queen — We but now received word from thy father that it is bet- 
ter for a brave to die than that the pride of a Soldan shall suffer. To- 
morrow even', when the sun goes out into the desert thy life goes 
out also. 

Gloria throws herself at the feet of the Queen. For the love of 
Heaven, forbear, my Lady — not that; not that — it is 

Richard raises his hand in commanding way. Thou meanest well, 
my child, but we may not save our life that way. My father is right. 
It is better to lose one's body than one's honor. 

Queen — It grieves us that thy life should be so short. But Avar 
serves us all alike. Today it is thy turn ; tomorroAV it may be mine. 
It is the decree of fate. 

Richard — Allah gives, and He takes. Allah knoAvs best. 

Illano boAvs his head and folds his outstretched hands across his 

22 



bosom. The Qiu-eii walks up and down. Gloria breaks down Aveep- 
ing. 

Curtain — End of Scene II. 

Scene III — The next morning, same as liefore (Gloria and Cedric 
in conversation.) 

Gloria — Oh, Cedrie, Cedric! we cajinot let the King die at the 
hands of Ihe Queen. Can naught be done to save him? Perchance we 
may help him to tlee ! 

Cedric (sadly) — Alas! na\'. my love, that were imi)ossible. He is 
closely guarded and hath given his word! But do not despair, Gloria, 
dear, the day is still young and many things may come in the circling 
of a sun. But my heart is heavy within n^e. and though I love thee 
much. Gloria. I W(tuld tak(> liis place gladly! 

Gliu'ia (putting her arms around his neck, weeping) — I cannot 
bear it. Cedric; I cannot bear it. He is a most generous King and the 
bravest of men (has let go of Cedrie and raises both arms with l)0wed 
head and crying) : ilother of God, barken to one of thine own sex, 
and spare the King for his people ! 

Cedric (comforting her) — Do not weep, my love: dn nut \vcep. 

The Virgin iMother ever heareth the supplication of the pure in heart 

and none is more pure than thou. Be of good lyk^fn'. my love; be of 

good cheer. Here cdmeth Illaim. lie may l)ring good tidings. What 

'say the stars, lUano ? 

lllano — The stars look lu'ight (shaking his liead). but I understand 
it not. Only the people can save him. Last night I caused it to be 
known throughout the city that it is the Soldan who controls tlie Nile, 
and that it is the Queen who can save us from disaster. But the people 

are slow and uuiy con:e too late. Yet what signifies this noise 

(walks towarc^s the gates, raising one Viand). The Gods are good; it 
is the people. 

(Enter deputation of citizens when all arranged. Dana, the Em- 
balmer. sjiokesman of the people). 

Dana — My Lord, we beg speech of the Queen ! (Gloria brings Queen 
Queen. Cedric mingles with crowd). 

Queen (sadlj- — on the top step) — What will ye, of your Queen? 

Dana — We, the citizens of Mausourah greet their Queen, whom we 
love, for the sake of our King, who is no more. It hath come to our 
ears that it is" the Soldan who holds the k-ey to the Nile, on which the 
well-lieing and the lives of the people depends, and that it is their 
Queen who can save them from destruction, and for the love of thy chil- 
dren, yet unborn, we beseech thee to remember our children who will 
die by the thousands. I belong to the ancient guild of Embalmers, and 
know full wi'll that pestilence ever followeth starvation. Fight we 
would, gladly, until we could fight no more, for cowardice is not our 
failing, but starvation and disease no people can fight. Our fate is in 
thy hands, my Queen, and the desstruction of a people will be upon 
thy head. Were it the King who could help us, 'twould be the King 
who would do it. We know we ask much, but we ask it for the sake 
of the women and children, and the King whom thou lovest! (Bows 
his head in silence.) 

Queen (aside) — Oh! ye Gods; ye Gods. I cannot deny them; I 
cannot deny them (turning to the people). Your Queen will do what 
ye ask, good people. She will do it for the love of your children and 
the King who is no more (turning to Chamljerlain). Bring hither the 
Envoy ! 

(Enter Richard, between two guards, erect and without bowing). 

Queen — "Sly Lord, a Queen's first duty is to her people. Thou 

23 



mayest start on thy journey tonight. Tell thy Soldan he hath defeate'i 
only a woman, he who could not conquer a King. My hand in marriag(^ 
thou shalt have, but I swear thou shalt rue thy bargain ! Now go I 
(Kichard bows and goes.) (Turning to the people) : ily brave people, 
tell your children the Nile will flow again ; we will paj' the price to have 
been born a Queen ! (Waves them away. All walk away in silence and 
leave Queen alone, who raises her arms, with sleeves falling to the 
shoulders, the full length above her head, and buries her face in her 
hands). 

Curtain. 



ACT V. 

The square of the statue of Isis, in the City of Mansourah. Canopy 
and grandstand erected for Queen and courtiers on the left. Mechan- 
ics putting on last touches; citizens going to and fro. Aspet and Capillo 
strolling along. 

Aspet — And so 'tis day, Capillo. The son of the Soldan makes his 
triumphal entry as the future King of our country. Yet 'twere but 
just to say, he kept faith with the Queen, for scarce had he gone ten 
days, when our Mother Nile again embraced lier children and the peo- 
ple went mad with joy. and build altars for their new divinity, the 
Son of Saladin, M-hom they think almost a god come to earth, and well 
nigh forgot their Queen, who though of a different nation, ruined her 
own life, that they might live. Hut this hath ever been the song of 
the populace. The King is dead; long live the King! 

Capillo — 'Tis said the Queen looks more a ghost than a bride, on 
her way to the marriage ceremony, as she hath not slept these ten 
days past. 

Aspet — Ah I her ladies in wailing will know a way to hide such 
trifles, for the pigments of Egypt and the cosmetics of Rome, were 
not made for naught. I warrant, and I lay thee a wager thou wilt see 
her more beautiful than ever before in thy life. But let us be off 
to the palace, to take our place in the procession! 

The tune of Dixie sounds in the distance, and presently the Queen's 
cortege arrives and take their places in the grandstand, and arrange 
themselves around her in silence and whispers. AVhen all is arranged — 

Gloria — Oh ! my Lady, that he woidd hut come ! If he tarrieth ^-et 
longer I shall go mad with anxiety, for though he be an Arabian, he is 
every fibre a King, and they do say he loves thee madly, and though the 
Soldan himself hath better than 200 M"ives, the new King ever main- 
tains he will have but one. and that one thyself. Grieve no more, my 
good lady ! There is yet much happiness in store for thee ! 

Queen — Ah ! my child, thou meanest well, but happiness is not 
for thy Queen. AVe did our duty, naught else matters. These were 
his words. 

Gloria — Hark, hark, my lady! I hear the music approaching! He 
Cometh ; he cometli ! 

Strains of the Star-Spangled Banner in the distance and the long 
procession of Arabians on horseback files past, with the music behind 
the scenes. Richard and the Soldan and Cedrie and their staff last. 
Wild cheering of the populace in back ground. "All hail to the King; 
all hail to the King." When the Queen sees him at last, as he ap- 
peared in the first act with mantle of Ermine, she puts her hands to her 
head a moment and then RUNS down the steps, crying. "He hath 
come back; he hath come back!" (King throws himself from his 
horse and embraces her long and tenderly.) 

Queen — Oh! Richard. Richard, thou hast come back. to me. Thou 

24 



hast L'onie back to thy Queen, but — (bxiking seared) — what of the son 
of Sahidiu ? 

l\ieliard — 'Twas but mjself, dear h<'art ! But I liave eaused thee 
uiurh grief my sweet, and much wm-ry. Thy Kiehard is sorry. He 
will leave thee no more though it bring the joy of returuiug. Yet 
"Iwas dune to please thee, my love; 'twas done to please thee. 
Think uot ill of thy husband, my bride; 'twas done for the love 
of thy self (laughing). Didst think the wolves had eaten us. my Queeu? 
Xay, all the wolves in the forest eouhl not keep thy Richard from thee. 
(.Straightening up, the Queen eutldling close in his left arm and raising 
his right one). My Lords and Ladies, Kiehard of Priesland greets ye! 
(Wild cheering. The King hath cnnie back! The King hath come 
back! All hail to the King; all hail to the King! Soldan dismounts.) 

Richard (to Queen) — But let me present thee to my father, the Sol- 
dan, who chided me roundly when he heard how I left thee! My father 
dust think thy son chose well? (Queen curtesies deeply. Soldan puts 
his hand upon her head). 

Siddan — My daughter, thy father already loves thee! Thou didst 
make a good tight for thy freedom. 

Queeii (makes the Royal courtesy) — We thank ye, my Lord; we 
thank ye. 

King — Illano, thy King greets uwd thanks thee! 

Illauo — We bid the King welcome Ijack into his own. Thou art in- 
deed our King. A second time thou art placed on thine own throne. 
Of all men. thine has been the privilege to establish by earthly accom- 
plishment the Divine Right to thy crown. It is the will of the Gods. 

King (bows deeply and turns \o ("edric) — My Lord of Arnheim, 
thou rogue, thou didst follow thy King into obscurity; thou shalt return 
with thy King in splendor. Henceforth thou shalt be known as the 
Vice Roy of Palestine. But get thee to tliy Lady, for I swear she be 
dying of anxiety. (Turning to the Queen) : But what think ye now, 
my love, did we win our kingdom fairly? 

Queen (in tone of denial) — Nay, my Lord, 'twas Init the Soldan, 
who gained thee thy throne. 'Twas his hand stayed the Nile, but for 
which thou wouldst not have been victorious. 

Soldan — 'Sly daughter, 'twas thine own husband wlio held the Nile 
in boiulage. All praise belongs to him! 

Queen (clapping her hands in great glee) — Didst i-eally do this, my 
Lord/ Then 'twas thou thyself, who saved thine own life (turning to 
Illano) : But tell us, Illano. if this great mystery of LIFE, that I, too, 
may knew it. Mean ye we lived before we were born? 

Illano — Aye, my child, many aie m.y !)ast incarnations and also 
thine, but mine I remember, while thine thou rememberest not, and as a 
man discardelh worn-out ganneuts and taketli on others new, so ptitting 
off worn-out bodies, the master of the body enters new ones again, for 
never was I not, nor thou, nor these princes of men, nor shall we all, 

ever cease to be, in the time to come but remember thy promise: 

Never again will I dcnibt, though ye tell me this life, is but as a day 
at school, for 'twas done for thy benefit and illumination. 

Queen (turning to King in tones of awe) — If that be true, then 
thou art indeed my great King! 

King — Didst call thy husband great, my love? Nay, nay, dear 
heart, call no man thus — only The Father is Great. 

THE END. 

Band pbiys "Hosanna in the Highest; Hosanna for Ever IMore." 

CURTAIN. 

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